Q&A With Larry Coker
March 14, 2003
What is the main value of spring practice?
“To improve fundamentals throughout the team. Also, it gives us a great opportunity to work with our younger players and redshirts. We can devote more attention to them and more closely monitor their development.”
What are your goals/expectations for spring practice?
“Our only real primary goal or expectation is to improve overall as a team in every way. Work on ways to put ourselves in position to win games.”
What do you think are the team’s strengths heading into spring practice?
“Outstanding conditioning is our primary strength. Because of our excellent winter conditioning program, we can practice at the pace we need to when spring practice comes. Defensively, our strength is in the return of our core linebackers and secondary. Offensively, we have a lot of talent in the backfield and in our receivers corps, plus a good nucleus of returning talent in the offensive line.”
Can you list your primary concerns heading into spring practice?
“I think the primary concerns would be the progress of our defensive ends and looking for the emergence of a quarterback.”
How has off-season strength and conditioning work gone this winter?
“We have an outstanding winter conditioning program. We’ve made some outstanding strength gains from a year ago across the board.”
How important is leadership by the players, and who appears to be stepping into leadership roles on this team?
“Good leadership is paramount to the success of any team. We’ve had a number of players who have set a good example by their work habits, their on-field attitude and the communication with their teammates during the off-season. Eric Winston, Vernon Carey, Kellen Winslow, Vince Wilfork, Jonathan Vilma, D.J. Williams, Sean Taylor, Antrel Rolle and Mo Sikes have all set a great example for the team during the off-season. I am looking for our running backs to emerge in that area, as well.”
Although it’s early in the year, can you get a feel for the chemistry of this team?
“If attitude and work ethic are any indicator, I feel very good about our team’s chemistry. They’ve all worked extremely hard the last few months, and they’ve been working hard together.”
Offensively, what are your primary objectives this spring?
“Developing the continuity and consistency that good offensive teams have, plus doing the things we need to do to win games. Things like protecting the football, not making turnovers and finding out what roles each individual needs to do to help us win.”
What are your thoughts on the position battles at quarterback and tailback?
“We’ll be competitive at those positions and I like competition. Competition will make us better. I like our talent at both positions. It should be a good spring to evaluate that talent. It’s stimulating as a coach to have a situation like this and it’s stimulating for the players, especially when you have talent there to work with.”
How is the offensive line shaping up?
“We’ve got great size and athleticism in our offensive line. This is probably the most athletic offensive line we’ve had since I’ve been at Miami. They are very hungry and anxious to show what they can do as a unit.”
With four starting jobs available, how are things going with the defensive line?
“I’ve been very pleased with the interior players. Getting Santonio Thomas back is a big plus and Vince Wilfork and Orien Harris have played a lot. So I feel good about our tackles. I like the competition at the defensive end positions. Bringing in Alton Wright helps solidify that area. I’m looking forward to great competition at those spots and I think we’ll end up with some top-flight players emerging. Those players are going to get a great opportunity to display their talents and I know they’re excited about it.”
You must replace your placekicker and punter this season. Can you evaluate that situation heading into spring practice?
“We had two of the best in the country the last couple of years in Freddie Capshaw and Todd Sievers. Mark Gent and Jon Peattie will be working at placekicker. Both have outstanding potential. Plus, we’re bringing in Brian Monroe in the fall at punter to compete there. We’ll record every kick and punt and see who comes out on top. Jon will be the punter in the spring before Brian joins us in the fall.”
What players are you particularly excited to see perform this spring?
“Offensively, I’m really looking forward to seeing Jarrett Payton, Eric Winston, Ryan Moore and Akieem Jolla in action. Defensively, it’s going to be fun to watch our defensive ends complete – John Wood, John Square, Alton Wright and Thomas Carroll.”
What kind of tempo do you want to establish in spring practice?
“We always make tempo a major emphasis in the spring. We always talk about practicing fast and playing fast. What we mean is, to report to camp in shape and ready to work. By doing the work in the off-season, players are ready to practice at the speed we want them to play at. We also place a great emphasis on practicing with enthusiasm. All of that translates into how you play on game day.”
How do you accomplish all of your objectives in the brief time allowed for spring practice?
“We’re only allowed 15 days of spring football practice, so we have to be very efficient as a staff to set the team up to accomplish our objectives. We have to be conscientious as a team to position ourselves to have the type of season we want to have next fall.”
